Therapeutic weighted robe

ABSTRACT

A therapeutic weighted robe having a body constructed of a soft pliable plush fabric that is divided into a plurality of body pocket sections along the exterior surface of the body. The robe further comprises a pair of shoulders integrally formed with the body, wherein each shoulder is divided into three sealed shoulder pocket sections. A collar is attached to the body and shoulders, and houses a number of collar pocket sections and a tubular border. Each of the body pocket sections, shoulder pocket sections and collar pocket sections accommodate a carrier of dense filler elements, preferably glass beads. The shoulder pocket sections comprise approximately 7 to 16 percent of the total glass bead weight of the therapeutic weighted robe, wherein the shoulder pocket sections are more dense than other sections of the therapeutic robe.

RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/949,966 filed on Dec. 18, 2019, which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to therapeutic devices. More specifically, this invention relates to a therapeutic weighted robe that is intended to alleviate symptoms of stress and anxiety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in the United States, affecting 40 million adults in the United States age 18 and older, or 18.1% of the population every year. The National Institute for Mental Health reports that an estimated 31.1% of U.S. adults have experienced some type of anxiety disorder at some time in their lives. Thus, with anxiety disorders on the rise and stress permeating the lives of many human beings, there is a significant need for solutions that help relieve stress that do not involve the use of medication. When left unaddressed, anxiety can be both debilitating and dangerous, leading to risks of depression and even suicide of those affected.

For some of those who experience pervasive stress and anxiety, negative symptoms may be relieved by weighted pressure applied to the body and similar actions that simulate the sensation that results from the act of hugging. Indeed, weighted pressure has been used as a therapeutic tool for many years for a variety of conditions from anxiety to ADHD to Autism.

The experience of hugging or exerting pressure on the body increases the release of natural chemicals that are known to relax the body, slow the nervous system and promote a calming affect that can help relieve chronic or occasional symptoms of anxiety. Hugging boosts oxytocin, a powerful hormone in the brain that is often called the “love hormone.” Oxytocin counters the effects of the stress hormone, cortisol. Hugging also increases dopamine and serotonin, a neurotransmitter known as the “feel good hormone.” The increase in levels of serotonin may boost one's mood and relieve symptoms of anxiety. By the same token, a hug often helps relax muscles, increase circulation and releases endorphins throughout the body, which in turn helps reduce tension and elevate one's mood. Furthermore, studies have shown that hugs may have a positive impact on reducing blood pressure and heart rate.

Although several weighted devices exist which promote therapeutic advantages, none of these consistently and continuously simulates the experience of a “hug” around the entire body. For example, hot and cold weighted neck wraps that incorporate weighted clay beads are provided under the brand THERMACOMFORT. See, https://www.getthermacomfort.com/. This product is limited in that it only surrounds the neck of a user. Another example is a weighted blanket, which is significantly larger than a neck wrap and intended to cover the body of a user, such as the weighted blanket sold under the brand SHARPER IMAGE. Weighted blankets have their own limitations, resulting in part from their increased weight and flattened configuration. The construction of a weighted blanket renders it difficult for a user to utilize the device. For example, it is difficult to wrap a weighted blanket around the entire body of the user while ambulating around the house. Likewise, when used as intended during sleeping hours, weighted blankets apply pressure to only one side of the body, to those parts with which the weighted blanket comes in contact.

In addition, weighted blankets often incorporate plastic beads or poly pellets as a filler. Pellets are sometimes formed from “ABS virgin plastic,” which is reported to have a variety of advantages. For example, plastic pellets are tough, long-lasting, do not give off harmful chemicals, and are usually hypoallergenic. However, pellets often give weighted blankets an uneven texture, and they can be noisy when the blanket is used. In addition, manufacturers and consumers concerned about the environment prefer other fillers to plastic pellets since plastic pellets do not decompose naturally and can be a danger to wildlife and sealife if not properly recycled.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the limitations and drawbacks in the prior art, it is a primary object of the present invention to provide a therapeutic weighted robe to alleviate stress, muscle tension, headaches and anxiety.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a therapeutic weighted robe that overcomes several limitations of traditional weighted blankets that result from their flattened configuration and difficulty of use.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a therapeutic weighted robe with dense shoulder sections each having more mass per unit area of robe as compared to other sections of the robe to place increased pressure upon the shoulders of a user to simulate a desired hugging sensation and to more effectively help relieve stress, muscle tension, headaches and anxiety.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a therapeutic weighted robe with shoulder sections on each side of the robe that incorporate an elongated trapezoidal pattern with a base that gradually tapers from the edge of the shoulder to the neck.

Additional objectives, features and advantages will be apparent from the description of the invention that follows taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

In summary, there is provided in a preferred embodiment of the present invention a therapeutic weighted robe having a body constructed of a soft pliable plush fabric that is divided into a plurality of stitched and sealed body pocket sections along the exterior surface of the body. The robe further comprises a pair of shoulders integrally formed with the body, wherein each shoulder is divided into three sealed shoulder pocket sections. A collar is attached to the body and shoulders, and houses a number of collar pocket sections and a tubular border. Each of the body pocket sections, shoulder pocket sections and collar pocket sections accommodate a bag or carrier of dense filler elements, preferably glass beads, which function as a preferred form of filler for the therapeutic weighted robe. The carrier is adapted to prevent the glass beads from exiting the body pocket sections, the shoulder pocket sections and the collar pocket sections. Notably, the shoulder pocket sections comprise approximately 7 to 16 percent of the total glass bead weight of the therapeutic weighted robe, wherein the shoulder pocket sections are more dense (i.e., mass per unit volume) than other sections of the therapeutic robe.

Additional features and embodiments of the therapeutic weighted robe are described below in more detail.

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS

The above-described and other advantages and features of the present disclosure will be appreciated and understood by those skilled in the art from the following detailed description and drawings of which

FIG. 1 illustrates a preferred embodiment of the front of a therapeutic weighted robe of the present invention;

FIG. 2 depicts a preferred embodiment of the back of a therapeutic weighted robe of the present invention;

FIG. 3 depicts the upper shoulder portion of a preferred embodiment of a therapeutic weighted robe of the present invention;

FIG. 4 depicts a preferred embodiment of a therapeutic weighted robe of the present invention in a folded position;

FIG. 5 depicts a preferred embodiment of a therapeutic weighted robe of the present invention in a hanging position; and

FIG. 6 depicts a preferred embodiment of a therapeutic weighted robe of the present invention in use.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In view of the drawbacks and deficiencies of the prior art, there is shown in the accompanying figures, a therapeutic weighted robe 10 intended to alleviate symptoms of stress and anxiety. The therapeutic weighted robe 10 is designed to wrap around a user's body with additional pressure, simulating the experience and feeling of a firm hug—particularly from the disproportionate weight in the more dense shoulder areas 12, 12—while allowing the user to remain both mobile and in a relaxed state, as desired.

As shown in FIG. 1 through FIG. 6, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the exterior of the therapeutic weighted robe 10 is constructed from a soft plush fabric. The selection of fabric is comfortable and soothing to the touch and helps provide immediate relief and a promotes a sense of relaxation. In a preferred embodiment, the fabric that is utilized to construct the robe is a polyester Sherpa fabric.

The therapeutic weighted robe 10 is divided into a plurality of sections along its exterior surface 14 and interior surface 16. In a preferred embodiment, the majority of sewn and predominantly sealed-off body pocket sections 18 of the body 20 of the therapeutic robe 10 predominantly comprise a square or rectangular shape 22, forming a quilt-like appearance. Throughout the robe 10, most of the body pocket sections 18 of the robe body 20 that appear on the exterior surface 14 are located at the same corresponding location on the interior surface 16 of the robe body 20. Utilizing this construction, a single section of the robe body 20, such as a body pocket section 18, or other pouch sections explained later herein, appears in the same location on both the exterior surface 14 and interior surface 16 of the robe body 20. However, it should be appreciated and understood that in alternative embodiments, the exterior surface of the therapeutic robe may be formed separately from the interior surface and then attached to one another such that sections from the exterior are not the same as those that are visible in the interior. By the same token, it should be appreciated and understood that different sectioned layers may be positioned on the exterior and interior of the robe without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

In a preferred embodiment, the body pocket sections 18 of the body 20 of the therapeutic weighted robe 10 comprises dense filler elements, most preferably micro fine, dense glass beads. Since the glass beads are very small, they are placed inside carriers in the form of bags or containers which help prevent the glass beads from exiting the individual pocket sections 18 in which they are located. In comparison to plastic fill, glass beads result in less bulk and a more uniform texture because the glass beads are significantly more dense than plastic. Furthermore, glass beads wash and dry more effectively, are odorless, silica and lead free, mold and moisture resistant and dust free.

In a preferred embodiment, each squared body pocket section 18 of the therapeutic weighted robe comprises approximately 12 g to 15 g of glass beads, and most preferably 13.66 g of glass beads for a large-sized robe totaling a weight of approximately 15 lbs. A large sized robe is intended to accommodate a user weighing approximately 125-200 lbs. The robe is formed with length, sleeve and chest measurements of 51.5 inches, 57.5 inches, and 22 inches, respectively.

As shown in FIG. 3, there are two shoulders 24, 26 split into three shoulder pocket sections 28, 30, 32 on the left shoulder 24 and three shoulder pocket sections 34, 36, 38 on the right shoulder 26, both of which are attached to collar 40 of therapeutic robe 10. Each of these two sets of shoulder pocket sections 28, 30, 32 and 34, 36, 38 comprise a total of approximately 215 g to 250 g of glass beads, for a combined shoulder mass or weight total of approximately 430 g to 500 g. It should be appreciated and understood that additional weight may be applied beyond 500 g, preferably up to approximately 1000 g, as desired. This configuration results in a disproportionate and more significant amount of pressure placed upon the shoulders of a user to simulate a desirable and direct hugging sensation as compared to other areas of the robe 10. In addition, through the application of additional glass beads in the shoulders 24, 26, pressure may be better applied to the shoulder well of a user at which there is a pressure point which helps relieve stress, muscle tension and headaches. Another significant feature of the present invention is that the two sets of three shoulder pocket sections 28, 30, 32 and 34, 36, 38 that together form each of the respective shoulder areas 24, 26 of the therapeutic weighted robe 10 are trapezoids and together form an elongated trapezoidal pattern. Notably, shoulder pocket sections 28, 38 located at the exterior of each shoulder 24, 26 have a wider base than those shoulder pocket sections 30, 32, 34, 36 which are closer to collar 40. Thus, the trapezoidal sections that form the shoulders 24, 26 are gradually tapered with each successive section proceeding from the edge pocket sections 28, 38 to the pocket sections 32, 34 that meet collar 40 under the exterior, exposed lapel 42. This configuration is particularly advantageous to apply more direct pressure along the precise surface area of a user's shoulder.

With regard to the construction of collar 40, there are a plurality of collar pocket sections 44, shown in FIG. 4, beneath exposed lapel 42. The collar pocket sections 44 are constructed as a continuation of the squared body pocket sections 18 and continue underneath, hidden behind lapel 42 and, in part, form collar 40. In that regard, the lining or sections under lapel 42 also comprise dense filler elements, preferably in the form of glass beads for added weight. Collar pocket sections 44 are preferably constructed with the same mass (or average mass) of glass beads as body pocket sections 18. Lapel 42 has a predominantly elongated and smooth surface. Lapel 42 and collar 40 terminate in a collar border 46 that is tubular formed by stitches 48 and accommodates carriers of glass beads (or just glass beads) for added weight.

In a preferred embodiment, therapeutic weighted robe 10 further comprises a weighted belt 50 which also comprises glass beads for added weight which holds the lower body of a user in a tight and compressed position.

Different specifications, sizes and configurations of the therapeutic weighted robe 10 of the present invention are presented in Table 1 below. Notably, while the total weights and configurations of preferred embodiments of the therapeutic weighted robe 10 are provided, it is desirable to utilize an increased mass of glass beads in the shoulder area of the therapeutic weighted robe as compared to other sections which have a significantly lower mass of glass beads.

TABLE 1 Unisex KIDS S/1VI L/XL XXL ROBE WEIGHT 8 LBS 12 LBS 15 LBS 17 LBS (APPROX.) BODY WEIGHT 60-85 LBS 90-125 LBS 125-200 LBS 200+ LBS LENGTH 36.5″ 50.5″ 51.5″ 52.5″ CHEST 40.5″   54″ 57.5″ 60.5″ SLEEVE 20.5″   21″   22″   23″ 100% 100% 100% 100% FABRIC POLYESTER POLYESTER POLYESTER POLYESTER SHERPA SHERPA SHERPA SHERPA SHOULDER   430 g   460 g   480 g   500 g GBW* BODY GBW* 2,520 g 4,000 g 5,000 g 6,300 g TOTAL GBW* 2,750 g 4,460 g 5,480 g 6,800 g *GBW-GLASS BEAD WEIGHT

The accompanying specification and illustration(s) demonstrate several preferred embodiments of a therapeutic weighted robe and method for using same. However, it should be appreciated and understood that other types and configurations are possible, and the figure(s) are not intended to be limiting in that regard. Thus, although the description above and accompanying figure(s) contain much specificity, the details provided should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiment(s) but merely as providing illustrations of some of the presently preferred embodiment(s). For example, although a preferred embodiment of the therapeutic weighted robe utilizes glass beads, other similar types of beads or filler may potentially be utilized while keeping within the spirit and scope of the invention. The figure(s) and the description are not to be taken as restrictive on the scope of the embodiment(s) and are understood as broad and general teachings in accordance with the present invention. While the present embodiment(s) of the invention have been described using specific terms, such description is for present illustrative purposes only, and it is to be understood that modifications and variations to such embodiments, including but not limited to the substitutions of equivalent features, materials, or parts, and the reversal of various features thereof, may be practiced by those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. 

1. A therapeutic weighted robe comprising: a body having an interior surface and an exterior surface, said body being constructed of a pliable fabric that is divided into a plurality of sealed body pocket sections along said interior surface and said exterior surface of said body; a pair of shoulders integrally formed with said body, each of said pair of shoulders being divided into three sealed shoulder pocket sections atop said body; a collar attached to said body and said pair of shoulders, said collar having a plurality of collar pocket sections and a border; a plurality of containers of glass beads; wherein each of said body pocket sections, said shoulder pocket sections and said collar pocket sections accommodate a container of glass beads, said container being adapted to prevent said glass beads from exiting said body pocket sections, said shoulder pocket sections and said collar pocket sections; and wherein said glass beads in said shoulder pocket sections comprise at least 7 percent of the total glass bead weight in said therapeutic weighted robe.
 2. The therapeutic weighted robe of claim 1, wherein said three sealed shoulder pocket sections of each of said pair of shoulders comprise 215 g to 250 g of glass beads.
 3. The therapeutic weighted robe of claim 2, wherein said three sealed shoulder pocket sections form an elongated trapezoid having a base that tapers from an edge of each of said shoulders towards said collar.
 4. The therapeutic weighted robe of claim 1, wherein said glass beads in said shoulder pocket sections comprise a range of 7 percent to 16 percent of the total glass bead weight in said therapeutic weighted robe.
 5. The therapeutic weighted robe of claim 1, wherein said exterior fabric is a soft plush polyester fabric.
 6. The therapeutic weighted robe of claim 1, wherein said container of said body pocket sections holds approximately 12.00 g to 15.00 g of glass beads.
 7. The therapeutic weighted robe of claim 1, wherein said body pocket sections on said exterior surface correspond to said body pocket sections on said interior surface.
 8. The therapeutic weighted robe of claim 1, further including a weighted belt having belt pocket sections within which glass beads are housed.
 9. The therapeutic weighted robe of claim 1, said collar further having an exposed lapel with a smooth surface and wherein said plurality of collar pocket sections are hidden behind said smooth surface.
 10. The therapeutic weighted robe of claim 9, said border of said collar forming a tubular configuration that is sized and adapted to accommodate additional glass beads.
 11. A therapeutic weighted robe comprising: dense filler elements; A body divided into a plurality of body pocket sections, each of said body pocket sections having said dense filler elements; a pair of shoulders divided into shoulder pocket sections atop said body, each of said shoulder pocket sections having said dense filler elements; a collar attached to said body and said pair of shoulders, said collar divided into collar pocket sections, each of said collar pocket sections having said dense filler elements; a belt, said belt divided into belt pocket sections, each of said belt pocket sections having said dense filler elements; wherein the weight of said dense filler elements in each of said shoulder pocket sections is more than the weight of said dense filler elements in each of said body pocket sections and each of said collar pocket sections.
 12. The therapeutic weighted robe of claim 11, wherein said dense filler elements are glass beads.
 13. The therapeutic weighted robe of claim 12, wherein said shoulder pocket sections at each of said pair of shoulders form an elongated trapezoid having a base that tapers from an edge of each of said shoulders towards said collar.
 14. The therapeutic weighted robe of claim 13, wherein said shoulder pocket sections hold at least 430 g of glass beads.
 15. The therapeutic weighted robe of claim 14, wherein said shoulder pocket sections comprise a range of 7 percent to 16 percent of the total glass bead weight in said therapeutic weighted robe.
 16. The therapeutic weighted robe of claim 15, further comprising a tubular collar border adapted and sized to accommodate said glass beads.
 17. A therapeutic weighted robe comprising: dense filler elements; a body divided into a plurality of body pocket sections, each of said body pocket sections having a body pocket carrier with said dense filler elements; a pair of shoulders divided into shoulder pocket sections atop said body, each of said shoulder pocket sections having a shoulder pocket carrier with said dense filler elements; a collar attached to said body and said pair of shoulders, said collar divided into collar pocket sections, each of said collar pocket sections having a collar pocket carrier with said dense filler elements; wherein said dense filler elements in each of said shoulder pocket sections is more than said dense filler elements in each of said body pocket sections and each of said collar pocket sections; and wherein said pair of shoulders comprise at least 430 g of dense filler elements which represent at least 7 percent of total weight of dense filler elements of said therapeutic weighted robe.
 18. The therapeutic weighted robe of claim 17, wherein said shoulder pocket sections form an elongated trapezoid having a base that tapers from an edge of each of said pair of shoulders towards said collar and wherein said collar comprises a tubular collar border with dense filler elements.
 19. The therapeutic weighted robe of claim 18, wherein said collar comprises a lapel with a smooth surface beneath which said collar pocket sections are positioned.
 20. The therapeutic weighted robe of claim 19, wherein said dense filler elements are glass beads. 